Best beaches in Tunisia

Hammamet is one of Tunisia’s most popular tourist destinations, and the beach is its show-stopper attraction. The sandy shoreline stretches for miles on either side of the small headland where the city’s kasbah (fortress) stands proud. To the south lies Yasmine Hammamet, a touristy area where the beach is lined with large hotels and resorts, as well as a pretty marina packed with sleek yachts. North of the cape, the beach extends as far as the neighbouring town of Nabeul, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to throw down a towel or snag a sun lounger. The sea is calm and clear, so it’s great for swimming, and there are water sports rental spots dotted along the coast – look out for the “bases nautiques” for everything from jet skiing to banana boating and wakeboarding.

With its white-sand beaches and whitewashed houses, a visit to the paradise island of Djerba is one of the best things to do in Tunisia. The finest beaches can be found in the northeast corner, starting with Sidi Mahrez, the island’s crown jewel. At eight miles long, it’s a wide tranche of soft sand that runs from just east of the Ras Remel peninsula, where flamingos gather in droves in winter, all the way to the towering Taguermess lighthouse. The aptly named Zone Touristique is the nicest section, colonised by hotels and beach bars. The water is gorgeously clear for swimming and snorkelling, and safe for kids too thanks to the gently sloping seabed. The area is geared towards holidaymakers, so there are tons of things to do including water sports like parasailing and theme parks for little ones.

The country’s third-largest city, Sousse boasts one of the best beaches in Tunisia: Bou Jafaar. Handily located within walking distance of the city centre, this long stretch of fine sand is as popular with the locals as it is with tourists. The water is clear, placid and shallow, making it perfect for families with younger kids. Just behind the beach, there’s a wide promenade for a pleasant stroll, with tons of restaurants and cafes offering refreshments on the other side of the road. If you’re looking for something a little less populated, you can keep heading north to Las Vegas Beach, where several large hotels have made their home. This is also where you’ll find Aquasplash, a water park offering plenty of dizzying slides and rides. There are loads of sun loungers on offer, plus amenities like lifeguards.

Less than half an hour from the heart of Tunis is La Marsa Beach, a charming strip of sand fringed by whitewashed houses and hotels. It’s a great place for a wander along the pretty corniche, and there are several good cafes and restaurants with a sea view. The calm water is perfect for getting involved in the aquatic sports on offer, from kayaking to paddleboarding. A little further north is Gammarth, another of the best beaches in Tunis. It’s a tourist-focused destination, so you’ll find a selection of luxury hotels to choose from. The shore itself is a tempting stretch of soft, golden sand lapped by gentle waves. Lined with beach bars that keep the tunes coming until the early hours in summer, Gammarth is the place to go if you want to party with your toes in the sand.

Situated in Sousse, one of the top beach resorts in Tunisia, the Iberostar Selection Kantaoui Bay has an enviable beachfront position. This stylish 5-star hotel has something for the whole family, with a kids’ club and several pools to keep little ones happy, while adults will love the spa and selection of bars/restaurants. The Steigenberger Marhaba Thalasso is located in Hammamet, one of Tunisia’s top beach towns. It’s a luxurious resort overlooking a 6-mile-long beach, while the hotel also has two outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool in winter. There’s Tunisian, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine on offer, plus the spa with massage rooms, sauna, hammam and more. With views over the Mediterranean and the hills of Sidi Bou Said, the Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth Tunis is a tranquil getaway from the bustle of the capital. Facilities include an exquisite spa, and it’s a great choice for fitness fans with its top-of-the-range gym and two tennis courts. Set in 27 acres of palm grove, the Seabel Rym Beach Djerba has direct access to the white sand and aquamarine sea of the island’s best beach. Foodies will love the fantastic selection of seven restaurants and bars, and there’s plenty to keep all the family busy with pools, sports pitches, evening entertainment and more.